The Last Word

New Year's anxiety, and our chance to have our say and all make a big difference

by Barrie Quappe
Host of "Newstalk", Rooster 101.9 FM

Friday, January 2, 2004

New Year's resolutions are not the top talk this year. Elections are. With increasing stressors on our infrastructures, pressures from international bodies on our financial sector, work on a new constitution and an unanticipated grant of new citizens, the New Year is being looked upon by some as a source of anxiety. 

This is in contrast to the more prevalent reaction of the past of a fresh, re-energised way to approach issues. Elections seem to be the final answer in conversations as to the solution to all of our ills.

Planning and preparation are the suggested ways to cope with anxiety. Therein lies the crux of the problem. For many years now, citizens of the Cayman Islands feel that they have participated in many community exercises with visiting consultants and their valuable feedback sits on a shelf. 

This has led to apathy for some, and people are less inclined to volunteer for community projects. However, giving up can be equated with giving in and if we value our country, we should never give up or give in.

The New Year is a fresh opportunity to plan and prepare for change. You can take that any way you want, because that is precisely my thought. It is up to each and every one of us to be involved in the election process to work towards our vision for Cayman. Get energized because this year will be like no other as far as opportunities to really make a difference for your community. Look for opportunities that are meaningful to you and get involved. 

We may still be a dependent territory but we have a democratic system. Don't hang it up, democracy requires work. It is not an accident. Plan and prepare now for your Cayman and good luck to all.
For those of you who choose to sit back, well then don't whine when it is all said and done in November.

Contact Barrie Quappe “Newstalk” radio show, Rooster 101.9FM. E-mail barriequappe@hurleysgroup.com  

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